Heated floor panel

ABSTRACT

A floor panel in particular made of laminate having side edges, which are provided with elements of a panel connection for being connected with further panels. In order to form such a floor panel for the installation into a floor heating, a to fixed arrangement of a heating means is formed on a bottom surface, and a heating connection is formed on at least one of the side edges.

The present invention refers to a floor panel as it is on the market in large quantity for manufacturing a floor covering.

Floor panels of this type were for instance described in WO94/26999 or in WO97/47834. These floor panels are adapted for easy laying also by unskilled persons. They have a handy size and usually a rectangular shape and their side edges are provided with elements of a panel connection through which each panel can be connected with its adjoining panels to form a closed surface compound, preferably via a snap or latch connection. These panel connections are adapted such that they ensure a closed, undisplaceable connection between the panels also by an unskilled user and without the use of additional tools.

Floor panels are particularly suitable for being laid over a floor heating. Floor heatings and the floor coverings formerly had to be laid by skilled labor.

The object of the invention is to provide a floor panel by means of which also an unskilled user can lay a floor heating.

This object is solved by the features defined in claim 1.

By means of the embodiment according to the invention, the floor heating may also be laid together with the floor panel so that skilled labor is no longer required for laying the floor heating.

Advantageous embodiments of the invention can be derived from the subclaims.

It is particularly advantageous to cover the heating means towards the outside with a backing, which on the one hand offers a certain protection of the heating means, and which on the other hand can at the same time serve as sound and heat insulation.

Resistance heating foils available on the market are particularly suitable as heating means, since these foils do not substantially enlarge the height of the floor panel and are therefore not an obstacle against being laid underneath the doors etc.

Plug elements may be used as heating connectors. These plug elements ensure a very simple connection easy to be made by unskilled users between the heating means of the different floor panels.

The plug elements are preferably made of a flexible material, which further facilitates laying.

An embodiment of the invention will now be explained by means of the drawings.

FIG. 1 shows a schematic, perspective view of a floor panel according to the invention,

FIG. 2 shows a side view of a floor panel according to the invention, partially cut, to show the layer structure,

FIG. 3 shows the section III-III of FIG. 2,

FIG. 4 shows a schematic view of a heating material,

FIG. 5 shows a schematic view of a first embodiment of a plug element,

FIG. 6 shows a schematic view of as second embodiment of a plug element, and

FIG. 7 shows a schematic view of a further embodiment of a plug element.

A first embodiment of a floor panel 1 can be seen in schematic view in FIG. 1, which is excessively thick for illustration reasons compared to its normal dimensions. The floor panel 1 in the embodiment shown is formed as a laminate and had a tread layer 2 with an upwardly pointing decoration or tread surface 2 a, a core 3 and a floor layer 4 with a downwardly pointing floor surface 4 a. The materials for the layers are common and not limited for the purposes of the present invention. The tread layer 2 may consist of a wood or wood veneer layer, a decoration layer or the like. The core may consist of solid wood or wood construction materials, such as high-density or middle-dense fiber boards. The bottom layer is not necessarily required, i.e. the bottom surface 4 a may also be formed by the core.

In the embodiment shown, the floor panel 1 has the usual, rectangular plank-like shape with two opposing short side edges 5 a and 5 b and two long side edges 6 a and 6 b. The size of the floor panel 1 usually lies within a width of e.g. 10 to 25 cm and a length of 50 to 100 cm, i.e. the dimensions of the floor panel are chosen such than an unskilled user can also easily handle the floor panels.

The circumferential side edges 5 and 6 are, which is not shown in FIG. 1, provided with positive and negative elements 7, 8 (FIG. 2 and 3) of an interlocking panel connection 9, which preferably forms one of the conventional mechanical snap or latch connection. In the embodiment shown according to FIG. 2, the panel connectors 9 are provided on the opposing short side edges 5 a, 5 b as well as on the opposing long side edges 6 a, 6 b, they may, however, also be provided on only one of the opposing side edge pair.

The elements 7 and 8 of the panel connector 9 comprise projections 7 a and 8 a worked out of the panel and covering each other, as well as a spring element 7 b with an abutment surface 7 c at the element 7 as well as a corresponding recess 8 b with an abutment surface 8 c on the element 8. The spring element 7 b consists of an aluminum profile, which is fixed with an attachment clip 7 d in two recesses formed on the bottom surface 4 a, wherein one of the recesses is located underneath the projection 7 a. The abutment surface 7 c is formed by a bulge. The recess 8 b is also formed in the bottom surface 4 a and accommodates the bulge.

As may be seen from FIG. 1 to 3, the bottom surface 4 a of the panel is substantially covered by a heating material 10, wherein the heating material 10 contains a heating means 11 in the form of a conventional resistance heating foil (preferably a 48 Volt system), said heating means directly contacting the bottom surface 4 a. “Substantially covered” means that for instance the heating foil 11 is applied across a major part of the bottom surface 4 a, but the panel connectors 9 are left free to such an extent that a connection of the panels 1 to form a surface compound is not prevented.

The heating foil 11 is laminated fully onto a backing layer 12 which is fixedly connected to the heating foil 11 on the side opposite the floor surface 4 a and which also substantially covers the heating foil. The backing 12 may either be used as a pure protective layer for the heating foil 11 or it may additionally consist of a sound and/or heat insulating material so that the backing 12 contributes to the function of the floor panel 1 and of the heating material 10, respectively.

FIG. 4 shoes a section of a heating material 10, which consists of the heating foil 11 and of the backing 12 fixedly connected to the heating foil 11. The heating foil 11 comprises a plurality of heating wires 13 that are in parallel to each other, said heating wires being embedded in a non-conductive matrix material.

In order to connect the individual heating wires 13 with one another, a strip-shaped electrical conductor 14 (FIG. 2) is applied transversely to the extension of the heating wires 13 and also covering these heating wires. This electrical conductor may for instance be a strip made of sheet copper.

In the embodiment show, the heating wires 13 extend in parallel to the short edges 5 a, 5 b and extend from a long edge 6 a up to the opposite long edge 6 b. The strip-shaped conductors 14 are connected to the heating wires 13 along both long edges 6 a, 6 b and in the proximity thereof. Pockets 15 are formed in the region of the short side edges 5 a, 5 b between each conductor 14 and the heating wires 13, said pockets being able to receive a plug element 16 of a heating connection 17.

The strip-shaped conductors 14 can be replaced in function by parts of the snap or latch connectors 9 which are made of a conductive material and are extending along the heating foil 11 essentially perpendicular to the wires 13. Especially, the entire element 7 or its spring element 7 b or the attachment clip 7 d can provide electrical connection between the wires 13 and pockets 15.

As shown in FIG. 5, a first type of plug element 16 consists of a tongueshaped strip of a bendable conductor material, preferably of a copper sheet, which is formed as an electrical contact 18 a, 18 b on both ends, which are in electrical connection with one another. An elevation 19 is provided between the contact ends 18 a, 18 b which serves as an abutment for limiting the insertion depth of the plug element 16 into the pocket 15.

The plug element 16 serves for connecting two floor panels 1, which are arranged in the interior of a surface composite and which oppose each other with their short side edges 5 a, 5 b.

A second embodiment of a plug element 116 according to FIG. 6 includes a tongue-shaped conductor strip, particularly made of copper sheet, which, however, comprises one single contact end 20 only. An electrical connection line 21 is attached at this contact end 20 via a column 22, wherein the column 22 serves as an abutment for limiting the insertion depth of the contact end 20. The other end of line 21 is similarly attached to a second contact via a second column or is provided with a plug for connection with further elements (not shown), for instance a power source, themostatic switches or other control elements or the like.

The plug element 116 serves for an electrical connection of two floor panels 1 in the edge portion, which oppose each other with their long side edges 6 a, 6 b.

A third embodiment of a plug element 216 is shown in FIG. 7. This plug element 216 is easier to manufacture but otherwise similar to the element 116. Two contact ends 220 are connected by an electrical connection line 221. The contact ends 220 are formed by strips of a flexible material and are folded around conductive ends of the line 221 by forming stops 222 for limiting the degree of inserting into the pockets 15.

Each of the floor panels 1, which is required for a surface compound of the desired size, is first of all provided on one of its short sides 5 a, 5 b with a plug element 16 for each pocket 15 each, in that this plug element 16 is inserted into the pocket 15 until the abutment 19, as is shown in FIG. 2. However, it is also possible to provide the floor panels 1 still in the factory with the plug elements 16 and to fold same, so that they are not an obstacle during transport.

For laying the floor panels, they are usually assembled by means of a snap or latch panel connectors 9. For laying, the floor panel 1 with its projection 8 a is pressed as in a groove and tongue connection obliquely underneath the projection 7 a of a floor panel 1 already lying on the floor, whereby the spring element 7 b diverges resiliently and if both floor panels are pressed together to a sufficient extent, snaps back into the recess 8 b, wherein the abutment surfaces 7 c and 8 c engage each other and draw both floor panels towards each other.

The plug element 16 projects, as FIG. 3 shows, with its contact end 18 b over the projection 7 a and in particular also over the spring element 7 b, so that, supported by its flexibility, it can be threaded into the still empty pocket on the front side 5 b of the following floor panel 1 before the snap and latch connection snaps in. In this manner, an electrical connection between the heating foil 11 of adjoining floor panels 1 is established.

On the margin of the floor covering a plug element 116 or 216 with its contact end 20 or 220 is inserted into the pockets 15 of the floor panels 1 that are open towards the short side edges 5 a and 5 b, respectively, said contact ends being connected to each other via the electrical line 21 or 221. In this manner is an electrical connection between adjoining rows of floor panels 1 established. The plug elements 116, 216 can be adapted to a modified electrical connection of the wires 13 in parallel by arranging a plurality (i.e. more than two) of the plug elements 116, 216 on one connection line 21, 221, and provide by this modified connection line electrical connection of adjacent panels 1 within the floor covering at the margins thereof.

The heating material 10, consisting of an electrical resistance heating foil 11, which was laminated onto a backing 12, is also suitable for being used with other types of floor panels, wherein this heating element (e.g. according to FIG. 4) can be laid in webs and can be provided at suitable locations with a conductor 14, and wherein the connection of the webs can be made via the pockets and plug elements, which were described above.

In deviation to the describe and drawn embodiments, the creation according to the present invention can also be used in any type of floor panel, e.g. also in solid wood panels, and/or in panels of different shapes, e.g. square panels, and/or panels adapted to different kind of laying, e.g. panels for glued joints. The heating material does not have to be applied onto the entire surface on the floor surface of each panel but it may also cover parts thereof or it may also be provided in certain floor panels in the surface compound. The panel connectors may have any suitable shape or may be shaped differently at the short and long side edges. Instead of providing the pockets on the short side edges, the opposing, long side edges may also be provided with these pockets so that the electrical connection is implemented transversely to the longitudinal extension of the floor panels. 

1. A floor panel (1) in particular made of laminate, comprising a panel with side edges (5, 6) which are adapted to be connected to further panels to form a floor covering, an upper side (2 a), a bottom surface (4 a), a heating means (11) fixedly arranged on the bottom surface (4 a), and a heating connection (17) on at least one of the side edges (5, 6).
 2. A floor panel as claimed in claim 1, wherein the heating means (11) is arranged between the bottom surface (4 a) and a backing (12).
 3. A floor panel as claimed in claim 2, wherein the backing (12) is a one of sound insulating material, heat insulating material, and a combination thereof.
 4. A floor panel as claimed in claim 1, wherein the heating means (11) substantially covers the bottom surface (4 a).
 5. A floor panel as claimed in claim 2, wherein the backing (12) substantially covers the heating means (11).
 6. A floor panel as claimed in claim 1, wherein the heating means (11) is an electric resistance heating foil.
 7. A floor panel as claimed in claim 1, wherein the heating connection (17) includes at least one plug element (16, 116, 216) of an electrically conductive material, which is detachably receivable in a pocket (15) of the heating means (11) open towards a side edge (5, 6).
 8. A floor panel as claimed in claim 7, wherein at least one pocket (15) for receiving a plug element (16, 116, 216) is provided on opposing side edges (5 a, 5 b).
 9. A floor panel as claimed in claim 7, wherein the plug element (16, 116, 216) consists of a flexible conductive material.
 10. A floor panel as claimed in claim 7, wherein the plug element (16, 116, 216) includes a strip-shaped, flat tongue.
 11. A floor panel as claimed in claim 7, wherein the electric heating foil (11) includes a plurality of parallel heating wires (13) and at least one strip-shaped conductor (14) connecting the heating wires, wherein the pocket (15) is provided between the conductor (14) and the heating wires (13).
 12. A floor panel as claimed in claim 7, wherein an abutment (19, 22) is formed on the plug element (16, 116, 216).
 13. A floor panel as claimed in claim 7, wherein two contact ends (18 a, 18 b, 220) of the plug element (16, 216) are formed for being inserted into a pocket (15).
 14. A floor panel as claimed in claim 7, wherein a contact end (20) of the plug element (116) is formed for being inserted into a pocket (15) and the other end is provided with a connection line (21).
 15. A floor panel as claimed in claim 1, wherein at least two opposing side edges (5 a, 5 b) of the panel (1) are provided with elements (7, 8) of one of a snap or latch connection.
 16. A floor panel as claimed in claim 1, wherein the heating connection (17) is provided on two opposing side edges (5 a, 5 b).
 17. A floor panel as claimed in claim 1, the panel formed as a laminate structure with a tread layer (2), a core layer (3) and elements (7, 8) of a panel connection (9) provided on all side edges (5, 6).
 18. A floor panel as claimed in claim 1, wherein the panel is formed as a rectangular shape with two short side edges (5 a, 5 b) and two long side edges (6 a, 6 b), a heating foil (11) fixedly connected to the bottom surface (4 a), the heating foil substantially covering the bottom surface (4 a), a backing (12) substantially covering the heating foil (11) and at least one pocket (15) on each of the short side edges (5 a, 5 b) for receiving a plug element (16, 16′) of the heating connection (17).
 19. A heating material (10) for being used for a floor panel (1) as claimed claim 1, comprising a resistance heating foil (11) which is fixedly laminated onto a planar backing (12).
 20. A heating material as claimed in claim 19, wherein the backing (12) includes one of a sound insulating material, a heat insulating material, and a combination thereof. 